Terry Beasy, district manager for Waste Management, explained to a room of more than 100 people that daily discarded trash can be turned into electricity to power thousands of homes and businesses.
Methane, the byproduct of decomposing garbage, is being converted into energy at landfills near Buffalo and Logansport. Beasy discussed the effort at the Cass County Soil & Water Conservation District’s annual meeting Monday.
“Like wind and solar power, landfill gas is a natural resource that can be harnessed to produce renewable energy,” Beasy said.
The generating plant at Oakridge Landfill south of Logansport generates enough power for 2,500 homes. Statewide, the total exceeds 36,000 homes, Beasy said.
Because methane is produced 24/7 for 20 years after a landfill accepts its last bag of trash, continued expansion of the program is expected. At Liberty Landfill near Buffalo, Waste Management is seeking a second power plant that will produce power for an additional 5,000 homes.
“It is an exciting time to be in renewable energy,” Beasy said. “Indiana has shown its willingness to support and promote this industry for the good of its citizens.”
He called landfill gas a key component in the state’s renewable energy portfolio.
“These facilities represent a great opportunity as well as the obligation to tap this viable resource and offset the use of fossil fuels such as coal and oil,” he said.
Beasy’s message fit perfectly into the soil & water district’s conservation objectives.
During the meeting, a Powerpoint slideshow illustrated no-till farming practices, filter strips and rotational grazing intended to preserve farmland, protect soil, improve water quality and maintain wildlife habitat.
John Young, the county’s new district conservationist, offered his expertise to landowners interested in conservation programs that might include financial incentives.
Ruth Bender was voted back onto the board of supervisors, while Sandy Heckard was re-appointed to the same board. Both will serve three-year terms.
Two people were recognized for their efforts in 2008. Cameron Mills was named cooperator of the year, while Roger Miller was named conservation educator of the year.
Kevin Lilly can be reached at (574) 732-5117, or via e-mail at kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com
Local News
Landfills generate electricity from trash
- Local News
-
-
No jail for driver in fatal hit-and-run
A 25-year-old Logansport man admitted Thursday to leaving the scene of a deadly wreck last year, but he will not serve any time in jail as the result of a plea agreement.
-
Board backs 51 percent spike in utility rates
For Paul Hartman, the issue facing the Logansport Stormwater Management Board is pretty simple.
-
13-foot statue celebrating arts to stand in Logan
Logan’s Landing danced a little closer Thursday to sprucing up the downtown area and crafting the arts and design district it’s been longing to create.
-
Stormwater board OKs rate increase
The Logansport Stormwater Management Board this morning approved a 51 percent increase in its monthly rates.
-
LHS senior prank
As a senior prank, Logansport High School students moved the cow from in front of Happy Burger West to the Berry Bowl this morning. It was all in good fun, though. Bob Shanks, the owner of Happy Burger, was even on hand to pose for pictures.
-
‘It’s not about you’: Local mom shares journey of adopting foster children
Foster parenting isn’t always easy, says Juanita Jackson. Between caseworker visits and baby-sitting restrictions, the 42-year-old balances work and caring for five children as a single mom.
-
Longtime Lewis Cass teacher fired over license
Notwithstanding the impassioned pleas on Scott Rouch’s behalf, the Southeastern school board unanimously voted to cancel his teaching contract for “neglect of duty and other just causes.”
-
Jeremy Franklin charged with two felonies
A special prosecutor this week filed three charges, including two felony counts, against the son of the Logansport mayor.
-
Logan multiplex still in the works
Plans for a multiplex in Logansport are still in the works, but at least one city official hoped the process would move a bit quicker.
-
Ambulances moving: Hospital says change will save $200,000
Rural/Metro, Cass County’s newest ambulance service, told Logansport Memorial Hospital that it plans to move out of the ambulance garage at the end of its lease in September.
- More Local News Headlines
-
No jail for driver in fatal hit-and-run
Police: Gunman Has Hostages in Realty Office
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
Neighbors of Etan Patz's Suspect: It's Shocking
Gulf Fishermen Reel From Seafood Troubles
Stuntman Makes Skydive Without Parachute in UK
Raw Video: Bride Who Faked Cancer Released
Raw Video: Passed Out Man Robbed
